Ielts

Maximising Your IELTS Preparation Time: Balancing Study with Application Deadlines for UK Universities

Master IELTS exam prep with our expert tips. Balance your study plan with UK university applications and achieve your desired scores for admission.

Published on: Aug 23, 2024

The IELTS exam is one of the most important exams taken by non-native English speakers who are looking to pursue their degree in UK universities. A good score in this exam can considerably increase your chances, allowing you to apply to some of the best educational institutions around the world. However, it can be difficult to do this when you have IELTS exam preparation and university application deadlines. This article will provide you with tips on how to make full use of your IELTS preparation time, organise and complete practice tests in the most effective way possible as well as a guide to ensure that your study plan is closely aligned with all stages of the application process.

Understanding the Exam

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is engineered to evaluate the linguistic capabilities of individuals who need to edge out in studies or professions where English is the mode of communication. The exam assesses four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. There are two kinds of exams: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

Importance of IELTS for UK University Applications

It is quite common for international students to supply their IELTS results as a vital component of the application procedure. The desired scores, on the other hand, differ according to the university and the coveted program. Usually, a total performance between 6.5 and 7.5, with no outlying band scores being under 6.0 or 6.5, is beneficial to a lot of the courses.

Creating a Balanced Study Plan

Balancing IELTS exam preparation and the dates of the test requires an informed, and specific approach. Here are some steps to help you design an effective study plan:

(i) Assess Your Starting Point

Besides the fact, that is to say your preparations, make your first practice IELTS test to assess your actual level. This will help you to point out your strengths and weaknesses, thus enabling you to pay more attention to the weaker parts of the exam.

(ii) Set Clear Goals

Formulate clear, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals for your exam preparation. For example, you might aim to improve your reading score by one band within two months.

Creating a Structured TimeTable

Formulate a timetable for studying in such a way as to meet your deadlines for making a decision. Assign specific time intervals for each part of the IELTS test, corresponding to the questions to be answered in each one: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It needs to take place as a well-practitioner of the response through trials and error and thus, the correct learning will be assigned.

The Use of IELTS Sample Tests

IELTS practice tests are tools that you cannot do without as you prepare yourself for the coming exams. They will assist you in understanding the format, identifying strengths and weaknesses, improving time management, tracking progress, and building confidence to achieve your desired score.

Benefits of Practice Tests

(i) Get accustomed to the exam format: You get familiar with the different sections in the IELTS test and how to answer them on time through the practice tests.

(ii) Discovering Weaknesses and Solutions: With frequent practice, one can easily find areas of study that would need more concentration.

(iii) Strengthening Confidence: The more you put in the time, the easier it will become, making you more confident.

Where to Find IELTS Practice Tests

(i) Official IELTS Website: On the official IELTS website, you can find free practice tests and sample questions.

(ii) Preparation Books: Books such as "The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS" contain practice tests and useful instructions.

(iii) Online Platforms: Websites in the case of the British Council and IDP are excellent sources of practice materials and resources.

Effective IELTS Exam Preparation Strategies

Focus on Each Section

The exam consists of four parts, each of which requires different skills from the learners. Here are some tips for each section:

Listening: Practice with different kinds of English audio materials such as podcasts, lectures, and conversations. Focus on comprehension of different accents and identification of key information.

Reading: Read a vast variety of English printed material such as newspapers, academic articles, and fiction books. Perform skim and scan techniques to find information quickly.

Writing: Start by writing both Task 1 (describing visual information) and Task 2 (essay writing). Try to segment the topics, express your views, and choose the right words properly.

Speaking: Take part in regular talks with those who have a native language or are IELTS examination candidates as well. Practise the most IELTS speaking topics and improve your fluency and pronunciation with them.

Join a Study Group

In reality, studying with other people has a lot of upsides. It makes a person feel inspired and supported and brings the light of different views in front of them.

Join An IELTS Study Group

How about trying an IELTS preparation course? Enter an IELTS preparation course by simply selecting it. Such courses, which are set out by different organisations, are based on the method of teaching where they equip students with the required materials and support them with personalised feedback.

Balancing IELTS Preparation with Application Deadlines

Begin Early

Starting exam preparation ahead of your application deadlines is recommended. If possible, start with six to twelve months before planning to submit your applications. This will allow you to practise and take the exam as many times as you like to get the required scores.

Include IELTS Preparation with Other Application Tasks

Not only should you allot time for IELTS preparation but you should also find a balance between your study time and the rest of the application-related activities like writing personal statements, gathering references, and filling out application forms. By preparing a schedule that entangles your IELTS preparation with the application deadlines, you ensure that you set aside enough time for each.

Stay Organised

First of all, note down all important dates and deadlines. You can use either a planner or a digital calendar for this purpose. Don't forget to put reminders for registration deadlines, test dates, and application submission dates to make sure that you don't bypass any significant milestones of your application.

Prioritise Your Health

Maintaining a proper balance between study and rest is crucial to your health. See that you sleep enough, eat well, and take regular breaks in between the study sessions. Also, physical exercises and relaxation techniques can help reduce stress and keep your mind sharp.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Time Management

An overwhelming part of IELTS preparation is the competition with application deadlines. It is essential to plan a whole day and know what you are going to work on with the help of annual and weekly plans developed by you.

Motivation

During the exams, it is mostly related to pressure so the idea is to allow yourself to relax, take a couple of deep breaths, clear your mind and just let go of all the feelings you experience in class and think about how the exam or other people are there, or the street is just as busy and loud as it always has been.

Test Anxiety

Everybody is naturally worried about the IELTS exam, this is completely okay. Anxiety can be resolved by training to relax with the help of relaxation technology, for example, deep breathing and visualisation. The test format through regular practice will be bright to you, thus you will be more self-reliant.

Conclusion

Your value of time is most considerate to your IELTS preparation as well as the UK universities you apply to, so, this preparation should be planned meticulously, should be committed and should be fast in time management. By understanding the IELTS exam through examination, continuing with the use of practice tests and acquiring a structured study plan, you can hit the mark of your desired scores and also have a more competitive application. Early preparation, staying focused, and keeping your physical and mental well-being as your top priorities are what you need to do to not only survive but accomplish your tasks.

Maximise your IELTS preparation time with our expert help services. Upload assignments for detailed feedback and evaluation on oz assignments. Balance your study schedule with university application deadlines and ensure your IELTS work stands out, helping you achieve the best possible score.